Thinking about a V70
Discussion
I've seen a 2009 V70 with a 2.0 litre diesel engine advertised, and I'm thinking about going to have a look at when restrictions permit.
It's a manual gearbox with just less than 120,000 miles, and it looks very clean.
I've never taken much notice of these cars before, so know nothing about them, and would appreciate some advice/info.
Is it likely to be rust-free, and remain that way for a good number of years?
Is the 2.0 litre diesel reliable, and what mpg could I expect?
Were they available in various trim levels, and if so, is it possible to identify them?
I've read that the main running expenses will be tyres, bushes and suspension components. Is having these replaced liikely to be ruinous?
Am I right to expect handling & steering to be vague and a bit scary? (Based on memories of my parents' 240, and airport runs in a 960).
Is there anything else to watch out for or to bear in mind?
It's a manual gearbox with just less than 120,000 miles, and it looks very clean.
I've never taken much notice of these cars before, so know nothing about them, and would appreciate some advice/info.
Is it likely to be rust-free, and remain that way for a good number of years?
Is the 2.0 litre diesel reliable, and what mpg could I expect?
Were they available in various trim levels, and if so, is it possible to identify them?
I've read that the main running expenses will be tyres, bushes and suspension components. Is having these replaced liikely to be ruinous?
Am I right to expect handling & steering to be vague and a bit scary? (Based on memories of my parents' 240, and airport runs in a 960).
Is there anything else to watch out for or to bear in mind?
Hi,
I've had a V70 since feb, ill do my best to answer your questions!
Mines a 2009 2.0d R-Design
Engine - i have the same 2.0d engine, some will say its a poor excuse for its more popular D5 cousin but it has plenty of torque once you're moving and it does more mpg , I get around 42mpg Town and up to 58 on a run. Its also well used in the Mondeo and PSA marques so its a popular and reliable engine, mines just clicked on to 152k miles, cambelt needs doing at 108k and aux belt and 50ish so make sure both of these have been done at 120k. Mines starts perfectly, pulls well and you would never guess the car has done 150k they hide their miles well, hardly any wear inside, comfiest seats in the industry too!
No rust on the outside and can't remember ever seeing a rusty volvo!
Trim - R-Design trim is my go to as I'm 33 so wanted the sportier looking alloys, spoiler, black and cream leather and 15mm lower and firmer suspension. It still rides really comfortable. It has the silver mirrors and front grille /foglight surrounds. R-Design has as standard front fogs, cruise, auto lights and wipers, electric memory drivers seat too.
SE lux comes with heated and cooled seats and some V70s can be highly specced but mine does what I need it to.
Mine is grey and I've just mopped it, refurbed the alloys to gun metal and painted two bumper corners and now its pretty mint for 11 years old, feels like it will outlast me.
Needed a new strut and top mount at 149k as its a heavy car so various bushes will need replacing too.
Steering can be vague, but tons of grip with the asymmetric 5 i have just fitted, never going to be a sports car but does the job of ferrying the kids around, huge boot space, comfy and effortless to drive, in R-Design it looks smart and I'm quite attached to it now.
Anything else just fire away cheers,
I've had a V70 since feb, ill do my best to answer your questions!
Mines a 2009 2.0d R-Design
Engine - i have the same 2.0d engine, some will say its a poor excuse for its more popular D5 cousin but it has plenty of torque once you're moving and it does more mpg , I get around 42mpg Town and up to 58 on a run. Its also well used in the Mondeo and PSA marques so its a popular and reliable engine, mines just clicked on to 152k miles, cambelt needs doing at 108k and aux belt and 50ish so make sure both of these have been done at 120k. Mines starts perfectly, pulls well and you would never guess the car has done 150k they hide their miles well, hardly any wear inside, comfiest seats in the industry too!
No rust on the outside and can't remember ever seeing a rusty volvo!
Trim - R-Design trim is my go to as I'm 33 so wanted the sportier looking alloys, spoiler, black and cream leather and 15mm lower and firmer suspension. It still rides really comfortable. It has the silver mirrors and front grille /foglight surrounds. R-Design has as standard front fogs, cruise, auto lights and wipers, electric memory drivers seat too.
SE lux comes with heated and cooled seats and some V70s can be highly specced but mine does what I need it to.
Mine is grey and I've just mopped it, refurbed the alloys to gun metal and painted two bumper corners and now its pretty mint for 11 years old, feels like it will outlast me.
Needed a new strut and top mount at 149k as its a heavy car so various bushes will need replacing too.
Steering can be vague, but tons of grip with the asymmetric 5 i have just fitted, never going to be a sports car but does the job of ferrying the kids around, huge boot space, comfy and effortless to drive, in R-Design it looks smart and I'm quite attached to it now.
Anything else just fire away cheers,
Thanks very much! It's very helpful to know about the cambelt etc.
Yours looks great. As you say, the alloys and roof spoiler etc. make it look sportier, and the black window surround also helps.
I think the one I've seen is an SE, so probably a lesser spec.
I'm dithering about it - I've driven a Defender for years, but was given a Mk1 Yaris which I've really enjoyed. However, the Yaris has now expired due to rust. I was thinking about replacing it with something similar, so the V70 is a fair bit bigger, and probably a lot more expensive to run!
Yours looks great. As you say, the alloys and roof spoiler etc. make it look sportier, and the black window surround also helps.
I think the one I've seen is an SE, so probably a lesser spec.
I'm dithering about it - I've driven a Defender for years, but was given a Mk1 Yaris which I've really enjoyed. However, the Yaris has now expired due to rust. I was thinking about replacing it with something similar, so the V70 is a fair bit bigger, and probably a lot more expensive to run!
There are two 2.0d engine options , one PSA (4 cylinder) and a Volvo engine (D3 5 cylinder). The more purist will advise against the PSA and go for the Volvo (not sure if 2009 is too early for D3). However I had a PSA in my old 2008 V50 , nice engine and 45mpg over 20k (likely to be slightly lower in the bigger 70)
ph9 said:
Thanks. I think it is the PSA 2l engine - it says it's 134.1bhp, 0-60mph in 11.1 seconds, and 124mph top speed.
Fuel consumption is quoted at 37.7mpg urban, 56.5mpg extra urban, and 47.9mpg combined.
Yea up to 2010 will be the PSA unit. Purists aren't always a fan but its a widely used engine across various marques and performs better than its numbers suggest on paper.Fuel consumption is quoted at 37.7mpg urban, 56.5mpg extra urban, and 47.9mpg combined.
Hi there,
I sold my 2007 V70 in December to buy a V90. I had the V70 for 6 years, taking it from 50,000 to 151,000 miles. Here is a list of significant items that I had to sort out (or didn't):
- Rear trailing arm link bushes - a known issue that they corrode, new ones have protective sealant, but a special tool is required for fitment
- Front wheel bearings - tried pattern ones from partsforvolvos, but they failed quickly. Wish I'd gone straight to Volvo ones as I did in the end, but they are £240 a side parts only! Special tool needed.
- Lower engine torque mount
- Front wishbones (bushes failed)
- Front driveshafts - tried pattern ones, but rubbish, so had to fit Volvo again, about £500/side!
- Intercooler (burst at about 130k putting car in limp mode - only time the car broke down and had to be trailered)
- EGR valve was complete sooted up, so replaced
- Engine swirl flap lever, can be left unfixed no issue, but I McGuyver'ed a fix
- Power tailgate struts - boot lid sags from full extension - I never fixed this
- Glow plugs
- Battery
- Xenon bulbs
You can see that the general pattern is for them to eat suspension parts and they are expensive. Some Mondeo Mk4 parts fit, but most are subtly different, so you have to pay the Volvo tax. Overall though I thought the running costs quite reasonable for 100,000 miles of the cars later life. It towed a 1.5 tonne caravan superbly and made various trips to distant parts of the UK, Alps, south coast of France and Italian lakes. They just eat miles effortlessly leaving you arriving nice and fresh.
Mine was the D5 SE Lux Auto, so I can't comment on the 2.0D. I was very please with the engine/gearbox combo. It suits the car very well, as after all it is just a long distance cruiser/cargo carrier. I'd general average about 40mpg overall. I think the only time I enjoyed the 'driving dynamics' was giving it some beans in manual mode up and down the long mountain straights between hairpins. For normal use I'd try and give the front tyres some sympathy as it has a heavy front end. This basically meant not pushing too hard at roundabouts, especially the fast ones off motorway slip roads or very tight local ones. The front tyres would last a good 20k. Always fitted the factory fitted Michelin Efficient Grip 2 (heavy load version).
I'd say go for it, they are great cars if your mission is suited to the car's strengths. Enjoy!
I sold my 2007 V70 in December to buy a V90. I had the V70 for 6 years, taking it from 50,000 to 151,000 miles. Here is a list of significant items that I had to sort out (or didn't):
- Rear trailing arm link bushes - a known issue that they corrode, new ones have protective sealant, but a special tool is required for fitment
- Front wheel bearings - tried pattern ones from partsforvolvos, but they failed quickly. Wish I'd gone straight to Volvo ones as I did in the end, but they are £240 a side parts only! Special tool needed.
- Lower engine torque mount
- Front wishbones (bushes failed)
- Front driveshafts - tried pattern ones, but rubbish, so had to fit Volvo again, about £500/side!
- Intercooler (burst at about 130k putting car in limp mode - only time the car broke down and had to be trailered)
- EGR valve was complete sooted up, so replaced
- Engine swirl flap lever, can be left unfixed no issue, but I McGuyver'ed a fix
- Power tailgate struts - boot lid sags from full extension - I never fixed this
- Glow plugs
- Battery
- Xenon bulbs
You can see that the general pattern is for them to eat suspension parts and they are expensive. Some Mondeo Mk4 parts fit, but most are subtly different, so you have to pay the Volvo tax. Overall though I thought the running costs quite reasonable for 100,000 miles of the cars later life. It towed a 1.5 tonne caravan superbly and made various trips to distant parts of the UK, Alps, south coast of France and Italian lakes. They just eat miles effortlessly leaving you arriving nice and fresh.
Mine was the D5 SE Lux Auto, so I can't comment on the 2.0D. I was very please with the engine/gearbox combo. It suits the car very well, as after all it is just a long distance cruiser/cargo carrier. I'd general average about 40mpg overall. I think the only time I enjoyed the 'driving dynamics' was giving it some beans in manual mode up and down the long mountain straights between hairpins. For normal use I'd try and give the front tyres some sympathy as it has a heavy front end. This basically meant not pushing too hard at roundabouts, especially the fast ones off motorway slip roads or very tight local ones. The front tyres would last a good 20k. Always fitted the factory fitted Michelin Efficient Grip 2 (heavy load version).
I'd say go for it, they are great cars if your mission is suited to the car's strengths. Enjoy!
Edited by CheckEngine on Saturday 14th November 10:59
2013 V70 D3 (134bhp) SE here.
Bought it 2.5 years ago at 74k, it's on 125k now.
I've had one sensor fault, the turbo cleaned properly and a split inlet to the intercooler (related to the turbo I think). It's just got one rear door lock started playing silly sausages.
It's the best car I've owned. Comfortable, so damn intuitive, good space, ideal for 4 bikes on the back, canoes on the roof. Much wider boot than you expect. Great stereo.
On a cold winter morning settling into warmed comfortable leather with the stereo on and brilliant headlights is a pleasure...
I'm dreading a few bills, but that's cars for you.
Bought it 2.5 years ago at 74k, it's on 125k now.
I've had one sensor fault, the turbo cleaned properly and a split inlet to the intercooler (related to the turbo I think). It's just got one rear door lock started playing silly sausages.
It's the best car I've owned. Comfortable, so damn intuitive, good space, ideal for 4 bikes on the back, canoes on the roof. Much wider boot than you expect. Great stereo.
On a cold winter morning settling into warmed comfortable leather with the stereo on and brilliant headlights is a pleasure...
I'm dreading a few bills, but that's cars for you.
Thanks very much. Some people suggest nothing goes wrong with these cars, but I suspect CheckEngine's list of items consumed is likely to be typical of one which is regularly maintained. I couldn't see it being a cheap car to run, but it's not too bad considering its size etc.
I'm not sure I'm going to have a chance to see the one I'm interested in. However, I'll continue to try and weigh up the pros and cons. I was originally thinking about a small city car to run as a second car, and the V70 definitely isn't one of those! However, it could become my main car, in which case its frugality would help to offset the higher cost of tyres and repairs etc.
I'm not sure I'm going to have a chance to see the one I'm interested in. However, I'll continue to try and weigh up the pros and cons. I was originally thinking about a small city car to run as a second car, and the V70 definitely isn't one of those! However, it could become my main car, in which case its frugality would help to offset the higher cost of tyres and repairs etc.
ph9 said:
Thanks very much. Some people suggest nothing goes wrong with these cars, but I suspect CheckEngine's list of items consumed is likely to be typical of one which is regularly maintained. I couldn't see it being a cheap car to run, but it's not too bad considering its size etc.
I'm not sure I'm going to have a chance to see the one I'm interested in. However, I'll continue to try and weigh up the pros and cons. I was originally thinking about a small city car to run as a second car, and the V70 definitely isn't one of those! However, it could become my main car, in which case its frugality would help to offset the higher cost of tyres and repairs etc.
More frugality would come in the form of the 1.6 Diesel , although they have their own issues. I haven’t owned or driven a 1.6 though. I'm not sure I'm going to have a chance to see the one I'm interested in. However, I'll continue to try and weigh up the pros and cons. I was originally thinking about a small city car to run as a second car, and the V70 definitely isn't one of those! However, it could become my main car, in which case its frugality would help to offset the higher cost of tyres and repairs etc.
Drove loads of these when I was looking at an estate, couldn’t see the appeal at all. Gruff engines, appalling turning circle,not enough thigh support on the seats,couldn’t see the front corners for manoeuvring. Great load space and good looking in R design form was the only redeeming features for me.
Saved myself nearly 3 grand and bought this
Saved myself nearly 3 grand and bought this
I have a 1999 2.5 (yes I know not the same as what you a re looking at but...)
They corner like jelly.
I have had mine from new. I have not really had to replace much on suspension other than what I would expect from a car that is old and now on 250k
Engine performance wise it depends on how you load it and drive it. Mine even now it feels like it's lost a lot of power still pulls ok and return 40-48 mpg depending on the run/weight. (once got 688 miles on a full tank, 3 adults, 2 kids, full boot, high speeds down to Stuttgart)
They do what they say on the tin, great comfort, large boot, great in a straight line
I would buy another, and may have to as mine will not last for ever
They corner like jelly.
I have had mine from new. I have not really had to replace much on suspension other than what I would expect from a car that is old and now on 250k
Engine performance wise it depends on how you load it and drive it. Mine even now it feels like it's lost a lot of power still pulls ok and return 40-48 mpg depending on the run/weight. (once got 688 miles on a full tank, 3 adults, 2 kids, full boot, high speeds down to Stuttgart)
They do what they say on the tin, great comfort, large boot, great in a straight line
I would buy another, and may have to as mine will not last for ever
sjc said:
Drove loads of these when I was looking at an estate, couldn’t see the appeal at all. Gruff engines, appalling turning circle,not enough thigh support on the seats,couldn’t see the front corners for manoeuvring. Great load space and good looking in R design form was the only redeeming features for me.
Saved myself nearly 3 grand and bought this
But that’s a ROVER, that’s why it was cheap Saved myself nearly 3 grand and bought this
Always found the turning cycle fine on these. It's not like a 940 or even a 850 but it is no worse than any other modern FWD car of similar size.
It is the 2000-2007 V70/S60/S80 which has such a poor turning circle which is a completely different car on a completely different platform.
It is the 2000-2007 V70/S60/S80 which has such a poor turning circle which is a completely different car on a completely different platform.
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